Utah reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate your Utah driver's license ranges from $75 to $155, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs $75. A suspension for drug or alcohol violations costs $155. If your license was suspended for other reasons — such as failure to appear in court or medical reasons — you'll pay $75.

You cannot reinstate your license online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License Division office in person with proof of payment for any fines or court costs owed, and you must show that you've met all other requirements the state imposed when your license was suspended.

The reinstatement fee itself is separate from any fines, court costs, or restitution you may owe. If you owe money to the court or to a victim, you must pay that first — the Driver License Division will not process your reinstatement until those debts are cleared.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees in Utah are $75 for most suspensions and $155 for drug or alcohol-related suspensions.
  • You must visit a Driver License Division office in person with proof that all fines, court costs, and other requirements have been met.
  • The reinstatement fee does not cover any traffic fines, court costs, or restitution you owe — those are separate payments.
  • Processing typically takes a few minutes at the office if all documents are in order, and your new license is issued the same day.

What documents and proof you need to bring

Bring your current ID or passport, proof of payment for any fines or court costs, and the suspension notice the Driver License Division sent you. If you don't have the suspension notice, bring a letter from the court or the agency that suspended your license explaining the reason and what you needed to do to reinstate it.

If your suspension was for a drug or alcohol violation, you may also need to show proof that you've completed any required treatment or education programs. The suspension notice will specify what programs explore to your case. Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 before you go to confirm what documents your specific suspension requires.

Finding a Driver License Division office near you

Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and Price. The main office is at 1095 Motor Avenue in Salt Lake City. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location.

You can find the full list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers on the Utah Driver License Division website. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you're traveling to an office outside Salt Lake City — some smaller offices have limited hours or close for lunch.

What happens if you cannot pay the full amount right now

If you owe fines or court costs and cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact the court that issued the fine or suspension. Many Utah courts offer payment plans that allow you to pay in installments over several months. Once you've set up a payment plan, bring proof of the agreement to the Driver License Division office.

The Driver License Division will not reinstate your license based on a payment plan alone — you must show that you've either paid in full or have a court-approved plan in writing. If you're struggling with the cost, ask the court clerk about fee waivers or reductions based on income. Some courts will reduce or waive fees for people with low income.

How long reinstatement takes once you're at the office

If all your documents are in order and all fines and court costs are paid, reinstatement takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office. You'll pay the reinstatement fee, the staff will process your paperwork, and you'll receive your new license the same day. You can drive when ready after leaving the office.

If documents are missing or incomplete, the staff will tell you what else you need to bring back. You cannot complete reinstatement that day, and you'll have to return once you've gathered the missing items. This is why calling ahead to confirm what your specific suspension requires is worth the few minutes it takes.

Suspensions versus revocations — which one you have matters

A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet the requirements and pay the reinstatement fee. A revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a new license through the full process process, which costs more and takes longer. The suspension notice the Driver License Division sent you will clearly state whether your license is suspended or revoked.

If your license was revoked, you cannot straightforward pay a fee to get it back. You must wait out any mandatory waiting period (which varies by the reason for revocation), then submit a new process, pass a written test and vision test, and pay the full process fee. Revocations are typically issued for serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license if I still owe money to the court?

No. You must pay all fines and court costs in full or have a court-approved payment plan in writing before the Driver License Division will process your reinstatement. Bring proof of payment or the payment plan agreement to the office.

What if I lost my suspension notice?

Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 and provide your name and date of birth. They can tell you the reason for your suspension and what you need to bring to reinstate it. You can also contact the court that issued the suspension for a copy of the paperwork.

Do I have to take a test to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement does not require a written or driving test. You only need to pay the fee and show proof that all requirements have been met. A test is only required if your license was revoked, not suspended.

How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?

Once you reinstate your license, the suspension is lifted and you can drive normally. However, the suspension will remain part of your driving history. Insurance companies and employers may see it when they check your record, even after reinstatement.

What if I was suspended for unpaid child support?

Contact the Office of Recovery Services (ORS) at 1-800-257-3064 to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once ORS confirms you've met the requirements, bring that confirmation to the Driver License Division along with the $75 reinstatement fee.